Reading List on the Net {and not}

A Post on "Award Winning" Books. Just because it is awarded a medal doesn't make it a good book. But we knew that right? This was brought to my attention by Shannon after I'd asked on the AO forum about Caldecott and Newberry Award books. Some of them are on the AO booklists.

"The literary innocence crafted by Laura Ingalls Wilder and fanciful imagery painted by C. S. Lewis are long forgotten in award circles. Shock value and bibliotherapy are more in vogue."

Two books that I picked up and started reading (not on the internet).
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert*

This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place---and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end---but instead she discovers it is only just beginning.
With a vibrant cast of vividly realized characters, Moloka'i is the true-to-life chronicle of a people who embraced life in the face of death. Such is the warmth, humor, and compassion of this novel that "few readers will remain unchanged by Rachel's story" (mostlyfiction.com).

Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott

This is a children's book originally published in 1880. It takes place in a small New England town after the Civil War. The story of two good friends named Jack and Janey, Jack and Jill tells of the aftermath of a serious sledding accident. (wikipedia)

I am really enjoying both of these books. I've had Jack and Jill for years but have never opened it to read. I honestly don't know that I've read any of Alcott's books, but I have seen a few renditions of Little Women. Not the same, I am sure. This book I didn't even know what was about.

*Moloka'i was mentioned on the AO forum by mommychickadee. I just happened to see if it was available for loan from the library, and it came in today. So far I really like the book. It has much feeling in it. I read a review that said it was unrealistic. I doesn't seem so to me. But I am only a few chapters in so far. Edited to add: This book will be going back to the library because there is much in it that I am just not willing to read. I'll link to mommychickadee's review because it'll give a better reason why I'm returning the book. If those portions were removed the story, as I see it, would be just as touching and just as real. Someday I may pick it up again but not right now.